Mason bees waiting for sunshine

I finally put out my tubes of mason bees about two weeks ago. Last year at this time, the mason bees were flying and the pear trees were in bloom. This year, it is still cold and rainy. The lawn splats when I walk across it and the paths to the outbuildings are slippery and slidey.

One intrepid mason bee has been sitting in his tube looking out for nearly a week. I know he’s alive because he changes position now and again, but he doesn’t dare leave the comfort of his tube. A few other mason bees are breaking through the mud barriers but none have taken flight. It seems like we are making up for last year’s early spring.

Rusty

Tubes of mason bees next to a new condo.

A mason bee waiting for the weather to change.